The capacity of a member to resist tensile forces is implemented as a single design check. A number of modification factors may be entered to change the section properties used for checking tension. This includes the area of holes in the cross section of the member and an area reduction coefficient used to compute the effective area of the section.

When checking or designing a member for tension, you need to specify any reduction in area due to boltholes or other reductions. If the members contain significant areas of boltholes, which need to be taken into account when determining the cross-sectional area of the section, you will need to enter the amount of cross-sectional area to be deducted to allow for these holes. The initial value for the area of boltholes is zero.

The net area of the section is the gross area minus the combined area of boltholes in the flange and web.

The net area is multiplied by the area reduction coefficient, U, to give the effective net area of the section. The default value of U is 1.0, i.e. no reduction in area.

To enter the properties for tension

Ø  Select the required members in the Frame window

Ø  Choose Tension… from the Design menu

Ø  Type in the area of holes in the web and flanges

Ø  Type in a value for the area reduction coefficient (U) if required